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And now for the step by step photos!

You’ll need: Ribbon, glue gun with extra sticks, barrettes, and thread and needle (already threaded with a knot tied at the end)

You’re also going to need scissors.

I usually start with a thicker ribbon but you can use this method for smaller bows as well, just use smaller ribbon.

Make your first loop.

This first one determines the size of your bow so if you want a larger one,

make a larger hoop and likewise if you prefer a smaller bow.

Now bring your ribbon around and make your second loop, holding the center secure with your fingers.

(This makes a lot more sense on the video, I think)

Now make your third loop…

And finally make your fourth, bringing your tail down to the side of the first one like this.

(honestly, you just gotta see the video to follow me here, I’m afraid..)

There, now we have four loops and we’re ready to secure it in the middle.

Run a few stitches right through the center.

Don’t worry about how your thread or your knot looks because no one will ever see this once we’re done.

This is my nice way of saying that if you ever looked at the centers of my bows, you’d see that I make these with all the grace of a bull in a china shop.

Secure the thread with a knot but don’t cut it yet. Now you’re ready for the next step.

At this point if you want to add contrasting colors or ribbon you set this one aside, cut your thread, and repeat the first few steps with each new ribbon, making them slightly smaller than this one we just did.

Once you get all of your other bows done, sew them to this and don’t cut your thread before going on to the next step.

Pinch your bow together…

and wrap the thread (which is still securely attached to the ribbon) tightly around the bow.

Until it looks like this. I wrap mine four or five times.

Run your needle through the back and tie a knot. Cut the thread.

You know, there is no law that says you can only have four loops, if you want more, knock yourself out

Tug at your bow a bit until you have it arranged like you like, spreading out the loops a bit.

There, I like that.

Tie a knot in a small section of ribbon (a contrasting color is fun to use here).

Place a dot of glue in the center of the front of your bow.

Press center of knot down on top of glue.

Flip bow upside down.

Place a dab of glue in the center of the back.

Place open barrette on top of glue.

It’s important that it be open because if you glue that puppy shut its really annoying to try to open it again and get all of the glue mess off.

Take the top end piece from your knotted segment and pull it through the barrette like this.

Press down to seal the glue and then cut off excess.

Place a line of glue just above the barrette.

Pull the bottom portion of the knotted segment through as well, pressing down to seal the glue.

Trim excess.

Now you have a bow!

Trim tails of ribbon. I like to cut mine at an angle pointing towards the inside.

Some people cut “V”‘s for their tails but those are harder to get even so I stick with the angle cut.